U19 Soccer Carlow/Kilkenny Final 12th Feb 2016 v Castledermot 7-1

Borris 7 Castledermot 1

What a performance from the Borris boys! For a second year in a row this team have claimed the district title. As U17's last year, Borris overcame a stubborn Johnstown 2-1. This year was a different story as the lads produced probably their best performance under manager Mr. Tuite. From start to finish Borris were playing the skill, intensity and power they've only shown glimpses of this year.

Make no doubt about it, Castledermot fancied their chances in this game. Their front two had scored 23 goals between them so far this season and they had lost only one game. Borris themselves had no problem finding the net this year but it was keeping the ball out of their own net that produced too many close games. Today was not going to be a repeat.

The match started off at a frenetic pace with both sides creating half chances. A couple of early efforts by C. Nolan and A. Nolan flew over the bar. Castledermot's striker had a good chance of his own that was well saved by Aidan Hynes in goal. The breakthrough finally arrived through the impressive and energetic Kevin McDonald. After fine play by C. Nolan on the right, McDonald gained possession in the opposition box. Twisting and turning to open up a clear sight at goal, McDonald finally smashed the ball low into the bottom corner. One nil to Borris and things were looking good. Borris then had a free kick delivered right onto the head of Niall Lynam but unfortunately he could not finish.

The Castledermot response was swift. From yet another Borris corner, the ball was cleared and found its way to the dangerous Castledermot striker wide on the right. Being chased down by Ross McEvoy and Sean McDermott would rattle most people but he held his nerve and smashed it high into Hynes' goal. One all. Borris were angry now and their response was merciless.

A barnstorming run into the box by Anthony Nolan left the Castledermot defender with no option but to stop him illegally. Up stepped McDonald to arrow the ball as far into the bottom corner as was possible. Borris back on top again. Two minutes later Chris Nolan got in on the act. A long ball from the Borris keeper was inadvertently flicked on by a Castledermot defender and landed at the alert Nolan's feet. The large crowd thought Nolan would flick the ball under the on rushing keeper. However, he decided to round the keeper but still he chose not to finish. He jinked and feinted and tied the defenders in knots and eventually smashed the ball high to the net. Three one now. Anthony Nolan, no relation, then got in on the act with a smart finish from close range. Four one at half time.

There was no let up from Borris after the restart. Within two minutes, and after slick build up play from Gary Lawlor, Cathal Tracey and Ross McEvoy, Chris Nolan was released and coolly slotted the ball under the keeper. Four minutes later the 6th goal arrived. A defensive header from McDermott was picked up by McEvoy in midfield. After a neat exchange with Tracey, McEvoy found Lauren Scully in the box and Scully duly volleyed the ball past the keeper. That was indeed a very good goal. The best was yet to come however.

After Chris Nolan had been 'nutzed' by the opposition midfielder (and had taken plenty of stick for it from the sideline) he had a point to prove. On a hat-trick, he gathered possession about 30 yards from goal. Spotting the keeper off his line, he unleashed a sublime shot that sailed into the top corner and completed the days scoring. Nolan didn't even celebrate, he just turned to the sideline and winked, as if to say "I do this all the time lads". He then fixed his hair.

As the game played out there were more opportunities for goals. Dara Tobin, on for the yellow carded Kevin McDonald, had too fine chances. The impressive replacement wing back Thomas Dowling hit a rasper from 25 yards that caused more trouble for the birds flying overhead than the opposition keeper. Scully had another go, as did Tracey but the score remained at seven.

All in all this was a brilliant team performance. A result like this was threatening for two years and now finally the lads are fulfilling their potential. They have now scored an incredible 27 goals in 5 games! The lads are a determined bunch and with the focus and intensity they possess, nothing should prevent them from creating a legacy for the next generation to aspire to.